|
Tanzanians travelling to UK face TB screening
2005-07-23 07:37:16
By Guardian Reporter
Tanzanians wishing to travel to Britain will now have to be tested for tuberculosis before they begin their journeys, the British media reported yesterday.
The media, quoting a British Home Office spokeswoman, said yesterday that the new rule would apply to travellers intending to stay in Britain for more than six months.
Tanzania is one of six countries whose citizens are required to comply with the rule.
The other five nations are Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Sudan.
Currently, travellers from the six countries are tested for TB on arrival in Britain.
In 2003, 13,000 people from the six countries came to Britain for more than six months.
There is a greater risk to public health from those who come for a long time than from those who only make short stays in Britain.
We don’t think it would be practical to screen all visitors, the Home Office spokeswoman said.
Immigration minister Tony McNulty said the programme would begin by the end of summer, with more countries added to the list early next year.
The six nations in the first phase have the highest levels of TB as measured by the World Health Organisation.
Mr McNulty said: It will identify infectious travellers who will be asked to complete treatment before applying for entry clearance.
It will generate data on infection among travellers to the UK which will enable us to understand better, the role of migration on TB infections rates in the UK and respond with effective health policies.
He said the impact on migration would be ’minimal’.
|
